What is in my Hospital Bag// Mom & Baby

Watch Video Here

Since I am now 36 weeks pregnant I figured I better get those hospital bags packed and ready. I packed myself a bag, a bag for the baby and my husband packed his own bag. 

I watched a lot of videos and talked with several people about what to reasonably bring to the hospital, a lot of people bring way to many things. I just wanted to make sure I had what I would need to make my stay comfortable since truly everything you bring is just optional the hospital provides everything you and baby need. 

Baby's Bag: 

I packed baby boy a few things in my diaper bag. I kept it pretty minimal for him since he doesn't need much the hospital provides everything he needs during his stay. What is in his bag: 

• 2 Onesies and a pair of pants
• 2 Hats
• 1 Sleeper
• 1 Swaddle
• 1 Blanket 
• Water Wipes
• Pacifier 
• Only thing I am going to add- the blanket I ordered with his name on it, when it comes in

My Bag: 

In my bag I again tried to keep it pretty minimal, just trying to pack the things to make myself more comfortable during my stay. What is in my bag: 

Toiletries: 

• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Soap & Loofa 
• Makeup wipes
• Shower wipes
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Chapstick 
• Deodorant 
• Nursing pads
• Nipple Butter
• Before we leave I will likely add a couple of my "everyday toiletries" 
• Makeup bag- will add in a couple basics before we leave like CC cream and lip balm

Everything Else: 

• 2 Pairs of Pajamas
• 1 set long sleeve PJ's and one set short sleeve
• 1 Nursing Robe 
• Cheap flip flops for the shower 
• 1 outfit- leggings, t-shirt, maternity top
• High waisted underwear
• Wet ones
• Tucks
• Always Diaper underwear
• Extra long phone charger

What I Want my Husband to Grab Day of: 

• Kindle to watch tv/ movies at hospital
• Camera and accessories 
• Extra phone charger 
• Snacks 

Hopefully I didn't miss anything that I talked about in the video. Comment in the video comments if there is anything else you are glad you had or wish you had in your hospital bag :)

Pregnancy Update Weeks 32-35 & Pubic Symphysis

Watch Video Here

Weeks of Pregnancy: 32-35

What Happened During this Time: 

During this time honestly not a lot happened because we have been sticking pretty close to home and just spending time with friends and family now that we are closer to the end. However we did do several baby/pregnancy related things during this time: 

• We had a couple Doctors appointments, including another ultrasound where we found out baby boy was already 5 pounds 10 oz which we couldn't believe. That seemed huge to me but I was told that is still only about 65% for weight. He was also still head down, actually holding his feet during the ultrasound.
• Birth Class & Hospital Tour- we completed our birth and parenting class offered by our doctors office and that included our hospital tour and registration so it was great to get that all taken care of. 
• Finished the nursery- we have a couple really tiny things to do but overall we finished the nursery and don't have to worry about it for the rest of the pregnancy. 

Symptoms: 

Overall still feel like my symptoms are pretty minor but am experiencing a few things. 

• Heartburn- This has definitely picked up as the days go on, both heartburn and indigestion 
• Swelling- My swelling also increased during this time and only seems to be getting worse. It is the worst in my feet, especially my right foot. At this point I have one pair of tennis shoes that barely fit and one pair of slide on sandals I have been wearing most days. I stopped wearing my wedding rings and have just been sticking to a silicone version to be safe. 
• I will say this has been one of the symptoms that bothers me and freaks me out the most, some days my foot and lower leg just swell up so much it is crazy to think that it is normal but my doctor assured me everything is fine and it is just regular pregnancy swelling plus also probably made worse by the summer heat 
• Pelvic Pain/ Pubic Symphysis - I mentioned in my last update that around week 31 I started having pretty severe pelvic pain, when I went into the doctor that week she pushed on my pelvic bone and I about screamed. She let me know the tendons were severely inflamed and I had pubic symphysis. That was what was causing all my pelvic pain. Unfortunately there isn't much you can do for the pain other than modify your activities and wear a support belt to help relieve some of the weight and pressure being put on your pelvic area. 
• This has been my biggest symptom and the most uncomfortable, there are times when walking is very painful. However I will say using the belt and cutting out all lower body work has helped a lot. 

Cravings: 

• ICE- I think that is mostly just because it is hot, also obsessed with ice pops 

Aversions: No aversions during this time 

Weight Gain: A lot, but at this point I have accepted that I am doing pretty much everything I can do keep this in check short of eating a 100% clean diet. I have exercised my entire pregnancy and eaten healthy overall with a few extra treats. I can't keep beating myself up about it I can only continue to be as healthy as possible. Also I truly believe I have had a good amount of water retention and gain the last couple weeks with all my excessive swelling so that may be contributing to the number on the scale. 

Workouts: Due to the pubic symphysis and pelvic pain I cut out all lower body workouts. I have been taking daily walks each morning and doing upper body workouts regularly. I have split my workouts into: Arms (biceps and triceps), Back, and Shoulders, if I go to the gym or do a home strength workout it will be one of those three. I have been able to continue with all the upper body workouts very comfortably and it actually feels good to stay active. 

Favorites: (I am going to keep adding here) 

• Cold Therapy Socks- these are my new favorite for this period and I talk about them a decent amount in the video update. They are basically ice pack socks so they feel great on pregnant achy and swollen feet. I think they also help a little bit with the swelling. I put these on at night once I know I will be sitting on the couch or in bed for a bit. 
• Get Here: https://amzn.to/2KDDut2

• Snoogle Pillow- Serioulsy every pregnant woman needs this pillow or a similar it is a game changer and I really have been sleeping well 
• Get here: https://amzn.to/2JvHNXa
• Palmers Skin Therapy Oil & Cocoa Butter- I put the oil on immediately before I get out of the shower then pat dry. It has roeshemp oil and others in it perfect for stretch marks as well as my very dry and itchy skin. Then later, usually before bed I will also apply their cocoa butter on my belly. 
• Get here: https://amzn.to/2JxzFWb 
• Epsom Salt Baths- with all the tailbone pain I have been taking so many epsom salt baths, they help sooth all my muscles and it also feels nice to just float when my tailbone is bothering me. I use both the Dr. Teals salts and the salt soak, often in the same tub.
• Water Pick/ Water Flosser- This helps treat and prevent the bleeding and agitated gums that pregnancy can cause and is great for just everyday use if you're not a great flosser like me.
• I got this travel size one here 

Pregnancy Update Weeks 27-31

Watch Video Here

Weeks of Pregnancy: 27-31

Important Events: During this time we had a couple doctors appointments, including an ultrasound and my glucose test, we took a couple weekend trips and did some work around the house and in the nursery. 

So during this time we did have an ultrasound and it is so exciting to be able to see baby boy! During that visit they told us he was 3.5 pounds, about 60% for weight and looking very healthy. He was also head down during the appointment, but he is still able to move and flip at this point so that could change.

Symptoms: 

Overall still feel like my symptoms are pretty minor but am experiencing a few things. 

• Heartburn- I have been expereincing this on and off thought the last few weeks. Not a daily or predictable thing.
• Slight Foot & Hand Swelling- Nothing major but I have definitely noticed swelling in my hands and feet. I think it is especially aggravated by the heat which can cause you to swell on its own. Due to the swelling I wear slide on shoes whenever possible, only wear one ring (they are thin enough on their own but too much together), or I don't wear a ring at all if I notice my hands seem swollen. I try and elevate my feet and use my new favorite socks, below, to help also. 
• Leg Cramps- During this time I suffered a decent amount of "Charlie horse" type leg cramps usually in my sleep
• Pelvic Pain- This started in week 31 and caused me to cut out out activity to rest, I was in a great deal of pain on certain days. I consulted my doctor on this as well, she let me know what the issue was, I will share more on this topic on its own. 

Have not had any Braxton hicks up until now, also not having insomnia. I don't sleep great but I sleep decent just waking up a lot throughout the night. 

Cravings: 

• Still just don't feel like I have really had many if any cravings 
• I suppose fruit if anything 

Aversions: No aversions during this time 

Miss Anything: No, only thing I mention in the video is missing be able to more easily put on my shoes, as well as tie them. Right now that is a whole lot of work, but I can still do it. 

Weight Gain: After my last update when they said I might be gaining too quickly, I had a weigh in this time where I only gained 2 pounds so they said that leveled it out and put me back in range for healthy gain. Overall it stresses me every time they weigh me and I have finally had to accept that I am doing the right things to stay healthy and some of it is entirely out of my control so I will just keep doing my best. 

Workouts: During this time I was still successful with regular workouts. Mostly gym workouts or at home resistance training. It started to get too hot for hikes sometime during this period. However sometime during week 31 when I started experiencing the pelvic pain I decided to take some time off and just rest. Since then I have done no lower body work, since I do not want to make the pain worse. 

Favorites: (I am going to keep adding here) 

• Cold Therapy Socks- these are my new favorite for this period and I talk about them a decent amount in the video update. They are basically ice pack socks so they feel great on pregnant achy and swollen feet. I think they also help a little bit with the swelling. I put these on at night once I know I will be sitting on the couch or in bed for a bit. 
• Get Here: https://amzn.to/2KDDut2

• Snoogle Pillow- Serioulsy every pregnant woman needs this pillow or a similar it is a game changer and I really have been sleeping well 
• Get here: https://amzn.to/2JvHNXa
• Palmers Skin Therapy Oil & Cocoa Butter- I put the oil on immediately before I get out of the shower then pat dry. It has roeshemp oil and others in it perfect for stretch marks as well as my very dry and itchy skin. Then later, usually before bed I will also apply their cocoa butter on my belly. 
• Get here: https://amzn.to/2JxzFWb 
• Epsom Salt Baths- with all the tailbone pain I have been taking so many epsom salt baths, they help sooth all my muscles and it also feels nice to just float when my tailbone is bothering me. I use both the Dr. Teals salts and the salt soak, often in the same tub.
• Water Pick/ Water Flosser- This helps treat and prevent the bleeding and agitated gums that pregnancy can cause and is great for just everyday use if you're not a great flosser like me.
• I got this travel size one here